EWS Whistler: Aussie’s Bike Checks

Presenting some of the longest, steepest and gnarliest trails in the 2017 series, Whistler’s round 7 of the Enduro World Series saw many riders changing their bike set ups from burlier tyres to longer travel forks. So what were the Aussies riding?

The full highlights video is well worth watching too, which can be found here.

Sam Hill – Prototype Carbon Nukeproof Mega

Representing lucky number 13 with an amazing EWS season so far, including 2nd in Whistler which extended his overall lead. No major changes to his bike from Aus, riding the same setup year round. Oh yeah, flat pedals!

Not being locked into a drivetrain sponsor means Graves can run what he wants. He opted for a full bitsa: SRAM XO crankset with Stages power meter, MRP chain guide, Shimano XTR mechanical derailleur, on a 10-42 11 speed SRAM cassette. Sadly, in stage one Graves dropped his chain, which later ripped his derailleur off, ending his race.

Josh Carlson – Giant Reign

Josh is pretty much local calling the Sea to Sky corridor home for many years; Josh is no stranger to what the day has in stall. After racing various Reign prototypes earlier in the season, he’s now on the new production carbon Reign. Neat frame bag for spares.

Spares at the ready. We’re devastated for Chris that a mechanical took him out of the race in stage one.

James Hall – Pivot Switchblade

The EWS dark horse, Cannonball opted for the relatively short travel Switchblade from Pivot, with 29er wheel set up. This bike has seen him through every EWS round bar Millau, and saw him finish in 36th in Whistler.

See James warming up on the Whistler trails and talking about his season so far, here.

A Vivid Air shock has Button’s Process ready for anything Whistler throws at him. Spares taped on for easy access. Definitely no room to fit a bottle in this compact frame.

Jeremy Hamilton – Rocky Mountain Slayer

Whistler has been Jeremy’s base camp in between EWS Aspens and Crankworx. He’s been doing his homework of the trails from peak to valley. Running a CushCore in the rear as it improves the chatter of the wheel from rock deflection and provides the ability to run lower pressures.

Shane Gayton – Santa Cruz Bronson

Whistler local Shane knows most of the trails in the valley and isn’t afraid of a big day pedalling.

No stranger to the World Enduro, Leonie is happy to be racing such a huge event right in her backyard. After some bad luck with flat tires in the past, Leonie has taken no chances with DH tires front and rear.